This holiday season, you might be wondering if there’s anything you can do to brighten your child’s smile—and if they have braces, you might be thinking extra hard about what you can put under the tree or in their stocking that will benefit their teeth and braces! Here are five awesome stocking stuffer ideas from your orthodontist in Richardson that are sure to bring a smile to your little one’s face.
Sugar-Free Candy
It’s reasonable to expect that your child would feel a little disappointed if they didn’t get any candy over the holidays; however, you don’t have to cut candy out entirely! There are many sugar-free and low-sugar alternatives to traditional, ultra-sweet staples like candy canes and lollipops. Even dark chocolate is marginally better, as it typically has lower sugar content than milk chocolate. Of course, you should always check with your child’s orthodontist if you’re unsure about a certain candy potentially harming their braces.
Electric Toothbrush
Who doesn’t love receiving a practical and useful gift? Electric toothbrushes have been proven to clean teeth more effectively than their manual counterparts, not to mention they’re gentler on the gums! If your child doesn’t have an electric toothbrush yet, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to add one to their stocking. This can make brushing a much easier process throughout their braces journey.
Travel Case & Dental Accessories
If your little one has a busy schedule and is out often, it might be a smart idea to gift them a dental travel case. This ensures that they’re able to practice good oral care no matter where they are, which is crucial if they have braces. These cases come in all sorts of fun colors and themes and contain all the accessories your child needs to keep their teeth (and braces) intact.
Refillable Water Bottle
You’ve probably heard that water is good for you, but did you know that it’s technically the best beverage for your oral health? Drinking water will help your child’s mouth by stimulating their natural flow of saliva, which is crucial in the fight against cavity-causing bacteria. It also helps to rinse away loose debris that might be stuck under your child’s braces. Better yet, water also counters bad breath and is a good source of fluoride, which benefits tooth enamel! A refillable water bottle is also environment-friendly!
Metal Straws
Metal straws are another excellent way to aid the environment since they eliminate plastic waste, but they also benefit your mouth by helping to prevent teeth staining and discoloration from beverages with staining agents. While straws won’t fully keep liquids from touching your teeth, they do greatly minimize the amount of contact that occurs.
If your child has braces, this holiday season is a great opportunity to fill their stocking with all sorts of useful accessories that’ll assist their oral health!
About the Practice
The team at Richardson Orthodontics is thrilled to serve patients and families in the Richardson area under the leadership of Dr. Tamara L. Jones and Dr. Megan Hanson. Their practice is pleased to offer a wide range of available orthodontic services. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (972) 238-7101.